Serioushumour

Noun. French original: Sérieusumour.

French pronunciation: /se.ʁjø.zy.muʁ/ — English approximation: say-ryuh-zoo-MOOR.

A form of humour in which absurdity is never identified as such, but instead presented, argued and put into practice with the utmost seriousness.

Serioushumour is the natural register of the Duchess of Crestignac.

The Duchess does not tell jokes. She observes, decides, inaugurates, cooks, governs and copilationnes with perfect dignity.

It is the reader who eventually bursts into laughter.

Fundamental principle

“The more absurd a situation, the more seriously it must be treated.”

Example

“La DdC embodies the Serioushumour of the Duchess of Crestignac.”

Spelling

Serioushumour is written as a single word, not serious humour. The fusion creates an independent concept rather than a simple description of a type of humour. The British spelling humour is retained.